Recently, my husband and I attended a last minute event and a quick and simple look was required. For this Date Night Look, time was of the essence, so I decided to play up my lips rather than waste time creating an elaborate eye look. Truth be told, I did not alter my daytime makeup in the least, but simply changed the lip combo. Adding an extra necklace or two also helps to dress up any outfit. I hope you find this helpful and can use some ideas for your next date night 🙂

THE VERDICT: If makeup could talk what would it say?

Makeup would tell you this “no-fuss” makeup look held up very well all evening. Date Night was quite a success, but I must admit, as lovely as it is going out for the evening, it is even more enjoyable returning home. What can I say….I’m a homebody at heart. Be well and stay safe.

Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com is not affiliated with any brands mentioned, all products were purchased by me. *This post contains some affiliate store links. *Compensation is not given for any reviews. *Click on each photo to enlarge. *Click on the rose highlighted words to take you to a direct link to each product. *All opinions are my own and based on my experiences. *All photos are property of Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com unless otherwise noted.

Foundation.. you illusive and bewitching siren!!! You can bedazzle the human mind, heart and soul!! Oh how I long for you in my life but alas…shade, formulation, and brand confound me! What am I to do? Oh stop begin so dramatic!!! If it is an answer if you seek, you shall receive it…if you are open to its arrival!! WOW!!!! Add philosopher to my list of things that I can DO!! Foundation is not as mysterious as one might imagine.

Foundation selection Guide

#1: SPEND THE BULK OF YOUR BEAUTY BUDGET ON YOUR FOUNDATION!!!

DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE WORDS THAT ARE COMING FROM MY COMPUTER? Refrain from purchasing drugstore foundation. Why? Good question. Firstly, you cannot test the color and formulation in the drugstore. Secondly, the level of pigment in drugstore foundations (more water less color) are not on par with higher end brands. Thirdly, some drugstore cosmetics manufactures do not list their ingredients on the bottles/compacts. This can be problematic if you have skin sensitivities. The saying, “you get what you pay for” applies in this case.

#2: GO TO A LOCATION WHERE SAMPLES ARE GIVEN!!!

Your best friend in this category is Sephora! They do not carry all high-end brands, but the friendly service and patience their employees exude, is priceless! They will spend as much time as you deem necessary on making samples for you to take home. Sephora will happily accommodate any of your requests, without the added pressure to make additional purchases. Department stores sales associates are a bit more ambiguous and are limited to the counter brand they are working for at that moment. Their goal is to make a sale; they will try to persuaded you to purchase something else. STAND YOUR GROUND….be gracious, get your sample and leave!

#3: BUY THE HIGHEST COVERAGE AND/OR LONGEST LASTING FORMULA!!!!

You have read correctly!! These types of foundations are very versatile. What is the point to a tinted moisturizer when you can make one yourself? How you ask? Take your high coverage, long-lasting foundation and/or a bronzing liquid (Dr. Hauschka Translucent Bronze Concentrate) and mix it with your favorite moisturizer. On really bad skin days, high coverage formulas can be sheered down next to nothing on the skin, yet still give wonderful coverage. The secret is to use a slightly damp sponge (Beauty Blender) or a slightly damp brush (philosophy airbrush brush) and use stippling and swirling motions. The results are amazing. As an added bonus, you will only utilize a small amount due to the high pigment and viscosity! Who wouldn’t want that?

#4: MATCH YOUR FACE TO YOUR NECK!!!!

Our necks are naturally shielded from the sun by our heads. The majority of women have lighter necks/darker faces. The opposite can occur if you are a sunscreen devotee; which will result in a darker neck/lighter face scenario. Regardless, do not try to cover your neck with a darker/lighter foundation, on the contrary, cover your face with the same shade as your neck!! The results will be more natural and you will have a more uniformed look. Test your respective foundation by swatching it on the side your neck (bringing it up slightly onto the jaw); not your cheek, backs of your hands, fingers, or arms. Sometimes you need to mix two colors to achieve your ideal shade or consistency. Once you’ve mastered your neck coloring you can victoriously declare a winner!!

#5: DO NOT BELIEVE CERTAIN FORMULAS CAN DO IT ALL!!!

If the long-lasting feature conjures up images of cracking skin, then by all means stick to cream formulas which have higher coverage and are moisturizing (Eve Pearl). BB creams, CC creams, DD creams EE creams…any alphabet cream, are just creams with foundation mixed into them. They claim to have all the benefits of your sunscreen, moisturizer, foundation, primer, etc…all rolled up into one product. You can go that route, however, these will not give you much coverage and color matching is challenging. Most likely you will still need an additional layer of foundation.

THE VERDICT: If makeup could talk what would it say?

Makeup would tell you, work on perfecting your canvas and the rest will follow!!!

The wrong formulation and shade can have adverse effects, in the form of break-outs and what I like to call, bobble head syndrome (line of demarcation separating the jaw and neck line). So 1983!!! Use these suggestions as a guide to selecting your foundation. When you find the right formula you will proclaim you have found your equivalent to Romeo and rejoice, “Did my heart love till now? forswear it, sight! For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night.” Oh Shakespeare you romantic fiend, you do have a way with words!! Adieu my lovelies! Be well and stay safe.

-M-

Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com is not affiliated with any brands mentioned, all products were purchased by me. Compensation is not given for any reviews. Click on each photo to enlarge. *Click on the rose highlighted words to take you to a direct link to each product. *All photos are property of Ifmakeupcouldtalk.com unless otherwise noted.

May 11, 2013

My Life Motto: “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”

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Quote of the Day:

As a well-day spent brings happy sleep, so a life well spent brings happy death.